AFSCME - Paraeducator (BMS)

Title Paraeducator

Location Bellingham Memorial School for the 2025-2026 (District Positon location assigned annually)

Schedule Ten (10) Months 184 days to follow school calendar

BMS/BHS 35 hours/week (7 hours/day)

Qualifications:

1. Passing score on the ParaPro Test or other state approved assessment program. ParaPro is waived with associate degree.
2. Associates degree preferred.
3. Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with all staff.
4. Prior experience working with children in a school setting preferred.
5. Evidence of emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work Involved.
6. Physical Requirements Ability to move in and out of an office classrooms building and up and down stairs. Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry material weighing up to 20 pounds. Strength to lift/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning.
7. Ability to climb stairs kneel and move easily on and off floor mats.
8. Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness thoroughness initiative patience courtesy dependability and enthusiasm.
9. Ability and willingness to learn and use Assistive Technology.
10. Ability to use Online Platforms through Google Meets and Google Classroom etc.
11. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.

Reports to: Principal BCBA Assistant Superintendent of Student Services or Designee

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Assists the teacher with student instruction direct and/or indirect.
2. Assist the teacher with the selection and utilization of educational materials and general supplies.
3. Assist the teacher in administering achievement and/or diagnostic testing.
4. Assist the teacher in implementation of behavior modification programs.
5. Assist the teacher with general classroom management.
6. Assist with addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom.
7. Assist the teacher in supervision of students involved in school activities.
8. Assist the teacher in preparing for the days activities during regularly scheduled hours.
9. Assume responsibility for the classroom teacher in their absence including a daily rate increase when needed.
10. Flexibility to perform duties across a variety of classrooms and school environments.
11. Participate in staff development programs required by the Building Principal and or Student Services Department.
12. Under the supervision of a certified teacher and in accordance with students IEP prepare for classroom instructional events and other educational or non-educational activities.
13. Assists the teacher in implementing support strategies and interventions developed by the teacher and/or BCBA for reinforcing skills based on an understanding of individual students their needs interests and abilities.
14. Provide positive and appropriate role models for students at all times and treat students with the respect due them as individual members of the community.
15. Assists in the teaching process and works directly with children to provide class support in the areas of academics social skills self-care (ADLs) and vocational skills.
16. Assist and reinforce generalization in skill development and community integration.
17. Completion of onboarding process including district policies and procedures and annual mandatory trainings.
18. Serves as a resource person about the student(s) in communicating with the teachers regarding specific instruction with students relative to specific goal attainment.
19. Assists in behavioral interventions/able to achieve Safety Care certification (full restraint training provided).
20. Assists in implementing treatment plans health plans safety plans and behavior plans etc. for various students in order to create a safe and successful learning experience.
21. Perform Data Collection (if required).
22. Work as a member of a team with other staff members (BCBA RBT etc).
23. Be able to apply ABA Strategies (specific training will be provided).
24. Assist in toileting certain students with disabilities (if required).
25. Lift and carry certain students with disabilities per IEP (if required).
26. Any other duties as directed by the Principal BCBA and/or Director of Student Services.

Work with individuals and small groups of students to:

1. Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
2. Assist with self-help and independence skills.
3. Implement remedial and review exercises practice and drill work as outlined by the teacher.
4. Aid independent study enrichment or remedial work as provided by the teacher.
5. Help students master instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
6. Assist in test taking use of instructional tasks assigned by teachers.
7. Assist in test taking use of instructional technology and reading to students.
8. Observe and make notes of the observation on performance and behaviors.
9. Implement curriculum modifications or accommodations designed by professional staff.

Assist teachers with non-instructional duties such as:

1. Escorting and supervising movement of students throughout the school.
2. Assisting students boarding and exiting transportation vehicles.
3. Proctoring testing and providing make up work assistance.
4. Toileting including diaper changing (if required).

Assist in the administrative duties of the school during normal school hours including such duties as:

1. Provide supervision/monitoring of students during breaks lunches community trips and other times as assigned/necessary including covering for absent staff members.
2. The supervision of students passing in the corridors and during fire drills and assemblies.
3. Assisting students in situations other than their regular assignment as requested by the teacher.
4. Temporary assignment by the principal to additional administrative duties (lunchroomrecess and playground duties will be assigned).
5. Set up and operate instructional and/or assistive technology equipment under the direction of the teacher.
6. Actively participate in available professional development activities appropriate to district expectations per the job requirements.
7. Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the Principal the Director of Student Services and the Superintendent of Schools or their designee and policies of the School Committee.